Modified Push-Up Test
The Modified Push-Up Fitness Test is used to measure upper body strength endurance and trunk stability. This variation, which uses a modified technique with a clap behind the back while in the 'down' position and a touch from one hand to the other in the 'up' position. This test is part of the ALPHA-Fit test protocol for adults. See the general description of the push-up fitness test and a link to many other variations.
equipment required: stopwatch, gym mat (optional)
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. Perform a standard warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The subject lies face down on the mat. The test begins by clapping the hands together behind the back once, then the hands are brought back to the standard position next to the shoulders and a normal straight-leg push-up is completed with elbows completely straight in the up position. One hand is then used to touch the back of the other hand before lowering the body again. The subject ends the cycle back in the face-down position on the mat. The timing starts when the subject first claps their hands behind their back, then continues for 40 seconds.
scoring: Record the total number of correctly completed push-ups that were performed in 40 seconds.
variations: If the subejct has a limited range of motion in shoulder joints and is unable to clap their hands behind the back, they can begin the push-up cycle by clapping their hands to the sides of their thighs.
target population: This test is part of the ALPHA-Fit test protocol for adults
advantages: this test is easy and quick to perform, and is suitable for people of all fitness abilities.
Similar Tests
- Hand Release Pushup, the new USA army push-up test in which the hands are lifted from the ground while in the down position.
- Chair pushup
- A Simple Push-Up Test that can be done at home.
- Push-ups as performed in the US Army physical fitness test.
Related Pages
- Read about other variations of the Push-Up Test
- See videos of other push-up fitness tests
- About the ALPHA-Fit test protocol for adults
- World Records for Push Ups
- List of other strength tests
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